Parenting in the age of the Internet presents new challenges for both parents and children. The Internet is a wealth of information and communication, which can be used as an educational tool and for entertainment. It is also a virtual world filled with misleading information, informational profiling, virtual predators and a variety of computer malware and viruses. However, parents can protect their children and their computers by following a few simple rules for Internet safety.
Set Rules
Set specific times when your children can use the Internet at home. Also, setting time limits on how long they can be on the computer can aid a busy household by letting everyone have a chance to use the computer. Be clear about which websites they can and cannot visit, and have specific rules or expectations on Internet use, advises the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Make clear rules about giving out personal information on any websites, social networks or chat rooms.
Educate Your Children
Talk with your children about the different choices available on the Internet. Make sure they understand the messages and images they may encounter on the Web. Media Awareness Network suggests guiding your children to safe websites and educating them about responsible online behavior. This includes not giving out personal information on social-networking sites, sales sites or to individuals in chat rooms. Make sure they understand that making threats online, hacking or stealing copyrighted material is illegal. Explain that you can't believe everything you read online, and make sure they know to check with an adult about anything they encounter that they do not understand.
Do Not Open Unknown Email
Viruses can automatically download when an infected email is opened. Explain to your child not to open any email from an unknown sender.
Monitor Your Children
Place the computer in a busy family area to make sure that an adult can easily monitor your child's Internet use. Family rooms, kitchen nooks and offices with a desk are good choices, depending on the setup of your home.
Set Parental Controls
Set up specific accounts for your children on the computer. The Justice Department's Cyber Crime unit recommends using parental-control software. This allows you to set specific parental controls on each of those accounts. You can block X-rated sites and set limits on games, chat rooms and file sharing.
Protect Your Computer
Children may visit sites that contain viruses and are subject to spam. Installing computer protection software will protect your computer against viruses, spam and spyware. Make sure to keep your software updated to protect against the latest viruses.
Educate Yourself
Learn about online threats such as predators, viruses, financial scams and Internet pornography, recommend the Justice Department. Find out which websites your children are using at school and if a teacher monitors them. Check out any personal accounts your children may have. Make sure they do not contain any personal information that identifies them. If your children access the Internet from any public computers, such as the local library, find out what their use policies are and which sites they block from the user.
